Frequently Asked Questions about CO2 Cleaning

CO2 cleaning is seeing more and more use for a large variety of purposes. Also known as dry ice cleaning or dry ice blasting, CO2 cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean a surface when you want to make sure it is absolutely scoured, without harming it or polluting it with chemical residue.

However, many people still aren't aware of CO2 cleaning or how it works. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about dry ice cleaning and simple answers that anyone can understand:

What is CO2 cleaning?

CO2 cleaning is a cleaning method where specialized equipment blasts a surface with tiny pellets of dry ice, or frozen carbon dioxide (CO2). This is similar to pressure washing and sand blasting a surface all in one, except that the CO2 does not scratch the surface the way that sand does.

Why doesn't CO2 scratch surfaces?

Although the pellets of CO2 hit the surface at extremely high speeds, they are much softer than sand or other gritty materials.Plus, the CO2 pellet turns to gas when it comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned.It doesn't actually melt—it goes directly from a solid to a gas on impact (sublimation). This means that there is almost no abrasion of the surface when the pellets hit.

Is this safe?

Yes. CO2 is a natural substance that's already in the air we breathe. The CO2 used in CO2 cleaning is FDA and EPA reviewed to make sure that it is pure, safe, and stable. Ironically, CO2 is actually safer to breathe than the fumes from many more common cleaning products.

What is CO2 cleaning used for?

Dry ice blasting is ideal for any situation where you want to scour a surface without harming it or putting chemicals on it. Because the CO2 turns to gas on impact, it vanishes without a trace, leaving behind no residue. At the same time, the intense impact can knock even the finest grit loose and clear off even the most aggressive grease or residue from other processes.

CO2 cleaning is frequently used to clean food service apparatuses (wherein all surfaces must be thoroughly sanitized), sensitive equipment, and laboratory equipment in particular, because chemical solvents and cleaners would leave trace chemicals that would interfere with future experiments.

Not every industry has a need for dry ice cleaning but there are many that can benefit from it. Has your business ever utilized CO2 cleaning? How did they like it?